The first family spending a quiet thanksgiving at the white house celebrating with a traditional turkey dinner. President obama did sneak away for a little while phoning service men and women, the whole family marking the holiday overnight, giving out bags of food to families in need at the capital. An exclusive tonight t the president and first lady telling barbara walters who they're thinking of on this thanksgiving. Mr. President, do you have a thanksgiving messag there are a lot of people out there who work hard every day, do right by their family, but are still working through some of their ravages of that big recession that we had. My message to them is know that every day I'm going to be working as hard as I can on your behalf. I want americans to remember that even as we draw down our troops we still have men and women serving abroad. I just want america to keep those people close to their hearts and to serve them as well as they have served us.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

Barbara Walters' Exclusive Interview with President, First Lady

"Walters at the White House" airs on a special edition of "20/20," Friday, Nov. 29 at 10 pm ET.

Obama Pardons Turkeys Caramel and Popcorn

The president makes good on a White House tradition for two lucky turkeys.

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